Simple chord shapes yield complex harmonies in this Open D approach to acoustic guitar
In this Gibson App video, Irene Ketikidi introduces you to some common shapes within the Open D tuning, giving you insight into how to create a progression reminiscent of the great Joni Mitchell.
Open D tuning (D-A-D-F#-A-D) has been widely used in folk music for its ability to create rich, resonant tones with minimal finger movement, making it ideal for traditional ballads and open chord strumming. This tuning produces a full D major chord when the strings are played open, allowing folk musicians to emphasize the drone-like qualities often found in Appalachian and Celtic music.
In our first installment in this series, we showed you which strings to change to go from Standard tuning to Open D tuning—it’s very easy. The open strings resonate freely, offering a harmonic depth that enhances the natural storytelling vibe of folk songs.
This simplicity also allows for experimentation with slide guitar, which has become a staple technique in folk and blues traditions. Throw in a looper pedal, tap the top of your acoustic guitar percussively from time to time, and you’re now a solo act with syncopation and a backbeat going on.
What can Open D do for me?
The use of alternative tunings such as Open D helps musicians achieve unique chord voicings and melodic phrasing without relying on complex finger positions. It also provides opportunities for improvisation, particularly in solo performances, as players can easily shift between chordal and melodic passages.
Joni Mitchell’s early folk works often employed open tunings such as Open D, allowing her to create signature sounds in tracks like the classic “Both Sides Now.” Folk guitarists continue to use Open D to tap into a more traditional sound while still having the flexibility to explore new harmonic textures.
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